INFORMATION MATERIALS The mainstay of our materials is a brief brochure explaining Tay-Sachs and Canavan diseases and the strategy of prevention. In addition, NTSAD-DV developed a video, titled "For My Sister, Elyssa," which features Dr. Laird Jackson as the medical expert and chronicles one family's experience with Tay-Sachs disease. It is a valuable educational tool for all ages. A teacher's guide for the video was also developed and recently updated. Flyers, articles, and other printed communications are developed on an asneeded basis and as funding permits. The IMPACT, reporting on organization and Prevention Program activities as well as developments related to the allied diseases, is written and distributed twice a year. COMMUNITY CARRIER SCREENINGS To encourage testing, NTSAD-DV initiates and responds to opportunities to provide Tay-Sachs screenings at convenient community locations and in conjunction with community events. EDUCATION NTSAD-DV pursues speaking engagements to address adult and adolescent audiences as well as health care providers. Display and distribution of information materials is also a major part of our education program, and participation in health fairs, college campus events, synagogue and Federation activities, etc. is a priority. TAY-SACHS AWARENESS MONTH Each May is designated Tay-Sachs Awareness Month in the Delaware Valley with free screening for everyone underwritten by NTSAD-DV, plus increased public relations activities and a month-long schedule of neighborhood screenings. GIFT OF LIFE CERTIFICATES Certificates entitle an engaged couple to two free Tay-Sachs and Canavan screenings at the Thomas Jefferson Tay-Sachs Prevention Program. These attractive gift certificates are distributed annually (and as-needed) to area rabbis and the rabbis are encouraged to give them to couples about to be married. This program is currently supported in part by a grant from the Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation. FREE STUDENT TESTING FOR TAY-SACHS AND CANAVAN Since its inception, NTSAD-DV has sponsored free Tay-Sachs carrier screening for students year-long and initiates on-campus activities to raise awareness and encourage young adults to be tested. PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS NTSAD-DV engages in aggressive public awareness campaigns by placing informative articles in various print media and generating publicity for carrier screenings and educational events. On occasion, advertising supplements these activities, especially to notify the public of free Tay-Sachs testings during May. REFERRAL, RESOURCE, SUPPORT NETWORK NTSAD-DV's Jenkintown office is a clearing-house for the general public, the Jewish community, health care providers, the media, at-risk individuals and affected families seeking information, referrals and support related to Tay-Sachs, Canavan and other allied diseases. FUND RAISING EVENTS NTSAD-DV sponsors fund raising activities and appeals, and develops grant and sponsorship proposals, to generate the resources needed to sustain its high quality, highly responsive services for the benefit of the public.